They mean well, but the prices are pretty high, compared to other vendors/locations, and the staff isn't exactly jumping up to help clients with decision-making. I know that's good for some shoppers, but if you need something specific, it's good to be asked what that might be, especially since there are plenty of folks there looking for irrigation parts. I liked them more before, a couple of years ago, enough that I'd even shop at the big chain hardware stores for parts. Sorry ... read more

Been shopping here for years. Great staff. They have been very helpful all these years. Beats home Depot prices too!

I am not sure I have ever been to a more inefficient store or business. Many of the people who work there seem to have not even rudimentary knowledge about plants or the things they sell. Nothing has any prices marked and when I complained about it they acted like I was asking a stupid question and the worker said something about it would be inefficient to have prices because they would constantly need to change them. I wanted to purchase some things and brought them to the register and it took a weirdly long time punching in numbers and futzing with the computer to find prices. One of the items they could not find the price of. I grew frustrated waiting and left. If you have all day to spend buying things by all means go here. I don't and will not return. I am giving them 2 stars only because I feel bad for them. read more

I love this store! I have been coming here for a decade at least! The staff is friendly and very knowledgeable. You can "borrow" an outdoor lighting kit and try it out! They have just about everything you could ever need for your back/front yards. They are so helpful read more

Every time I visit Urban Farmer, the staff are so unbearably rude and weird that I swear I won't go back. But then I keep forgetting and it happens again! Last weekend I was in the store for 34 minutes and purchased $550 worth of supplies. (I know my way around irrigation.) But when a sales agent recommended I try netafim for my tree zone, I followed up with a few questions. (mostly around connection and pressure). As I was getting answers the manager came over, interrupted us, told me I wasn't allowed to ask advice questions unless I made an appointment, and then pointed the sales agent I was speaking to away from me as if he were a dog going back to his cushion. To say that this was the most bizarre retail experience I have ever had is an understatement. The store was nearly empty and there were four staff on the floor at that time, btw. Giving an extra star above one because the sales guy who recommended the netafim was awesome. Its the management that needs to learn how to treat its staff and its customers with respect. - I already rounded out my purchase with an order from Amazon and the prices were way better for the same brands! No more Urban Farmer for this guy. read more

Charged me fully 40% more for the same items that my gardener had previously bought. Avoid this place, it's a scam for anyone who isn't a contractor. read more

I seldom if ever, write reviews but felt cheated once again by this store. I got an item which (turns out) wass half price at Home Depot - a 100 foot drip line (1/4 inch, with emitters every 6 inches - and paid a little over $40 - at HD and other suppliers it's at least half that price - I was shocked at the price at the time, mentioning it to the sales person, but went ahead and bought it to finish my project. The problem with this store, unless you are a contractor, is that nothing is marked for price on their floor so for anything you think you want to purchase, you either have to wait till you check out or ask the sales person prior, what the price is, but they act like you are a second class citizen unless you are a contractor registered at their store - so I will not go back there again because of their gouging the every day home owner, DIYer -- read more

As a clueless older woman needing help figuring out the drip system at my new old house I appreciate the help from the Urban Farmer Store. The first time I stopped by they gave me the name of someone to call for a consultation. There was no pressure to buy anything. The guy at the desk listened and helped! The next time I came armed with a rough sketch of the yard, and Travis came to the rescue with suggestions of the tubing and parts I might need. He quickly gathered it all together and I was off. With more guidance via texts, emails and a home visit, everything is hooked up. I now have a clue... and working drip system! read more

There are 2 kinds of businesses, the ones that want to help you find what you're looking for and the ones who want to sell you something and get your money. You can recognize the 2nd group because they give you 2 choices, buy what we've got or GFO.. This is that kind of store. Some of the employees are polite about it and some are rude, but the bottom line is the same.There's a store about 35 miles away that fits the 1st description. More often than not, I'm willing to drive the extra 70 miles and give my money to people who care about what I need. Just sayin'. read more

I discovered a broken sprinkler this morning about 4:30 am by accident. Our gardener recommended that I go in to The Urban Farmer. I did my best yo take some pictures and to try to guess how to take apart the sprinkler head and then went in armed with one piece, some photos and no knowledge. The woman at the counter was super!!! She looked at what I had and helped diagnose. She even figured out that the part that had been installed was the wrong one for the particular place in the garden. She then trained me up on how to change out the piece, rang me up (for $7!) and sent me on my way. I'm thrilled to report that I FIXED IT. YEA!!! And it's now better than it was before. I was so excited that I first called the store to say thank you and now am writing this. THANK YOU!!! read more

See all

This branch of the Urban Farmer Store is great because: 1. Each employee really knows their business from irrigation, to greywater systems to pond/waterfeature construction, to outdoor lighting.. 2. One of the few business in the "trades' to be Woman run, also has a gender and racially diverse staff. 3. They are so warm and helpful in this store, I always leave feeling good! read more

We've had two experiences with the Urban Farmer store - both through the Oakland Rain Barrel program - and both times the Urban Farmer Store was incredibly rude and unhelpful. Kim Titus in particular was rude on the phone to my wife during our first encounter and just the other day for our second purchase there, she refused to sell me something I had bought and paid for on the rain barrel website and ended up hanging up on me. There are plenty of other places I can take my business where they're not rude and actually appreciate the customer. read more

Nothing is labeled with pricing. This make shopping uncomfortable. Other than that, it's great. Right next to American Soil with lots of interesting garden rock, a very comfortable store, and the employees know the supplies. Definitely worth a visit. read more

This place has great potential, lotsa cool stuff to look at, but the staff has a lot to be desired. Customer service NOT their forte. The 3-4 times I've been there-yesterday the latest--I've had to ask directly CAN I HAVE SOME HELP? after being ignored. The irrigation stuff is over my head and fairly intimidating--all the bits and pieces in bins everywhere. Once I asked for a certain fertilizer to be told they didn't have it and then when I caught in the corner of my eye another row of fertilizers the clerk hadn't looked I ended up finding the very thing myself. When I paid for it the same clerk either didn't acknowledge or didn't even notice it was the very thing I had just asked her for 10 minutes prior. Seems I've had similarly disappointing experiences every time I've gone in. Cool stuff to look at, however, e.g. rain barrels, a recirculating pond, etc. Go in armed and knowledgeable ahead of time. read more

Urban Farmer is a great store. Anything you need for a garden, lawn, vegetable patch, water feature, or what-have-you can be found here. The customer service can vary, but usually errs on the side of helpful, especially if the store isn't busy. In particular, if they can't help you out, they are more than willing to suggest you get help at another store or service provider - they won't try to sell you something you don't need, which is appreciated. The selection seems limited compared to a big box store, but everything there is of good quality, and I can typically find what I need at a good price. Definitely a good place to keep in your back pocket in case of need! read more

Living in San Mateo, it is more convenient to shop at big store in San Carlos, but since finding the Urban Farmer Store several years ago, I head north. The help you immediately, show you where the items are that you want, or explain possible solutions if you do not have a specific shopping list. I love the place ! read more

They really know their stuff and the friendly sales people are very helpful. Whatever you need for irrigation, they will have, and at a low cost. read more

Came here the other day to get irrigation supplies to install my first drip system for friends. I had stopped in once before to find out what I needed to know beforehand. Armed with answers and a design I went back and was kindly helped by one of the employees (wish I had gotten his name, he was very helpful). He walked me through the whole process and helped me figure out how much of each part I needed. The installation went flawlessly today and I credit that to the Urban Farmer Store. Thanks! read more

Super efficient service!!! Staffs here are very knowledgeable, professional and friendly. Kandice, Emily and David are so helpful during our shopping experience. The location is convenient too, right next to American Soil & Stone company. You get most of the things you need at the same location. Highly recommended!!! read more

I went here because I am new to drip irrigation and I had a bunch of questions. I figured that it wold be worth the extra cost of buying from them. The person who was helping me was clueless and recommended the wrong options and couldn't answer my questions. He asked another person to help me and she was also at a loss. It seemed like they had only been working their for a short time and were not familiar with the items that they sell. When they asked a more senior associate for help he didn't want to and basically said you figure it out. If you already know what you want this place will probably work for you (just don't expect friendly service). If you are new to drip irrigation I suggest finding somewhere else to go. I could have purchased a drip irrigation kit online for a fraction of the price and with a lot less hassle. read more

they stopped the presses to diagnose my problem and had the obscure small part to fix it. There was a team of employees, one was the Manager (with best store dog ever!) that were relentless and successful. This place is a jem and the staff is uber knowledgeable and accommodating. read more

Urban Farmer Store - Lighting Fixtures & Equipment Near Me - Richmond, California

they have a pretty good selection decent on help and speed easy location irrigation, cardboard, nutrients read more

Need irrigation for your garden but don't want to deal with those impersonal big box stores? This is the place. Everyone is always attentive and knowledgable and because there's never a ton of people vying for the attention of the sales staff, you get immediate personal assistance. Maybe you pay a few pennies more but to me, it's worth it! read more

Every time I have been here I have had a great experience. Where else can you go where folks are competent and can walk you thru every step of the process. Angie and Erik have been super each time. I've re-done over four systems with these folks as a renter. I've even called on numerous occassions to have Angie walk me thru reseting my controler off the top of her head! Or trouble shoot why an aging system was failing. I've worked retail for over ten years and I totally get if someone doesn't know exactly what is in stock per the comment below plus the whole rain barrell thing was basically FREE get over yourself. Blame Oakland for your rain barrell issues! Gov't related stuff is never simple, haven't we learned that in California? I got one and it was ridiculously simple if you kept in mind your time vs. what the thing was worth if it hadn't been subsidized by the government. read more

Probably the best local selection of irrigation, rain collection and outdoor lighting supplies, but clearly a business with a bit of attitude problem toward their customers. You will often feel looked down on there for asking questions and because you are not an expert, which I find hard to forgive for an independent store. Proof of that is their most inconvenient hours, they are close on Sunday! On thanksgiving week-end there not even open for ONE day, closed FOUR days in a row! That's a business that doesn't put its customers first. Five stars for the store itself, one star for customer service, average 3 stars, which is a shame for such a great store. read more

I went to Urban Farmer in Richmond for two projects: plumbing fixtures for 8 55 gallon rain barrels and an irrigation system for 4 large planter boxes. In both cases Urban Farmer had everything I needed and the people at the store took the time to help me with the design. And it all worked. The store is spacious and I feel relaxed whenever I'm there. The only reason that I didn't give them 5 stars is that certain items, like thin bamboo stakes, are priced too high. read more

For pond supplies, I found a very helpful employee who saved me lots of dollars on options.

This is my go to store for all of my irrigation needs! I have been a landscaper for 10 years, and ever since this branch opened, I find myself there a few times a week, sometimes twice a day. Their staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and they carry specialty products that you can't find anywhere else. Don't ever go to Home Depot again for your irrigation products, go to the Urban Farmer Store!! read more

First time at urban farmer store and found myself feeling like it was a bother that I need assistance. My first impression... As I walked in the store no body acknowledged I was in the store. I noticed a women on the computer and asked if I could ask as question, simple request. She looked up from the computer, paused, gave a disgusted look then finally said yes.. In retrospect I wish I would have replayed with no thank you I'm worth better treatment then what you have to offer. And left with out making a purchase. The sales person was helpful . I have no intention of returning to the store and will pass my concerns on to the business that promoted urban farmers store. read more

First of all, never knew sprinklers are so f*cking complicated. Who knew? Even the trusted honest people a Ace couldn't help me. But they sent me to Urban Farmer. I used layman terms to talk about my problem. The lady schooled me on the spot about the massive science behind sprinklers. She sold me the stuff I needed and drew me a map. I went home, installed, and bam! We've got hydration. read more

So, wanted to buy some drip irrigation supplies. Had to decide between home depot or Urban Farmer Store. Decided to support the small business. Went to UFS. You'd think that if you're trying to compete with places like Home Depot, they'd try to use customer service to win over customers. But, low and behold, wow, the guy who "helped" us was acted like a total d*ck. Rude, condescending, unhelpful answers to just two very polite, simple, straight forward questions. Wow. Almost walked out right then and there, but decided to look at prices while I was there. 2-3 times what I could buy the exact same stuff for at Home Depot or the internet. I understand not being able to compete pricewise with the big stores, but if you can't offer service to back it up, why would anyone shop there? Not just bad service, but offensive treatment that actually made me angry for several hours after. Hate to say it, but skip UFS and go to Home Depot or shop online. This is one situation in which I do not want to support the little guy. read more

The Urban Farmer Store is incredibly helpful to me as a landscape professional. Great staff. I always enjoy procuring supplies from them, and I receive beneficial information every time I'm there. read more

I went in knowing I wanted to put some basic drip irrigation in my backyard -- and nothing else. The salesperson, Candice, was patient and helpful as she guided me through planning out my system and deciding on the parts I needed. Glad to know they're here! read more

The previous reviewer got it right. Everybody in the store knows their stuff and has a wonderful collaborative spirit. I could have spent weeks on the internet learning what I learned in a few minutes and the pricing was better than any I had reviewed on the net. Urban Farmer rules! read more

Super friendly staff helped me as soon as I walked in the door. She answered all my questions, and made the setup for my in line drip irrigation system super easy. read more